Hi, I dont know if this is the place or if anyone can be bothered with advice on my project.
My wife and I are constant travellers and over the last few years are very disillusioned about the star rating system that hotels simply make up to trick guests into paying exhorbitant prices for less than satisfactory accommodation.
We stay at approximately 70 different hotels a year around the world and are jaded about there being no reputable rating system that is international and that accurately reflects what you are paying for and what to expect.
I am thinking of setting up a non profit site where hotels are rated on what they actually provide....we find that there is no reliable system of rating, most hotels just making up a star rating that is not questionned, to suit their purposes.
Travel agents rely on hotel websites to recommend accommodations....they are generally commissioned based so they do not have the time to really check claims of star rating....often, photos are 20 years old, or taken 50 cms away from the facilities offered, to mislead the guest, or they simply lie..after all, once they have your money, you can go scream all you like..they simply dont care.
I have spoken to many people in the industry, and all agree that the existing star rating system has been bastardised by self interest and that a new system, if possible to set up, would be very welcome all round the world.
There is no shame in a hotel having a 2 star rating..there is shame in pretending it is 4 or 5 star and charging accordingly...it is simply fraud!
I have many ideas and plans on how to set this up, however, I am very inexperienced about what type of web site would be best for my purposes......I will be funding it entirely myself, so, of course, cost is a factor......
I would greatly appreciate any help or advice...would even welcome help from interested parties in doing something to help travellers in this venture, and taking an active part.
Ok..so I am retired and bored!!!...but recent trips have convinced me that there are so many parasites out there who just rip off people who work hard to save money for that dream holiday or trip, and no one seems to care.
The large hotel chains, generally are close to the ratings they advertise, but still need monitoring...however, so many small or less professional hotels or accommodation houses, charge 5 star prices for 2 star service.
Anyone interested, please message me and I will reply asap...your help or advice will be greatly appreciated.
Cheers